Recycled Flip Flops? Yuck

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Yes, you read the title right – I did say recycle flip flops.  Alright, I’ll admit to being a bit ‘out-there’ on occasion but not this time.  You really can recycle your old flip flops but not by simply pitching them into your blue recycle bin. 

Most of the cheaper flip flops are made out of polyurethane, which is a type of plastic but one that requires a more specialized recycling process.  There are facilities around that will take your polyurethane products and recycle them for you.  If you have lots of polyurethane then consider looking up one of these facilities: search ‘polyurethane recycling facilities’ on the internet for the facility nearest to you.

As far as your old flip flops are concerned there are ways you can simply reuse them.  Put your creative thinking hat on and consider some of the following ideas:

• Shred them  -  Get some scissors or a sharp knife and cut your old flip flops into thin strips.  Now use these strips to stuff the cushions for your outdoor furniture.
• Dog bed  -  Make a bed for your dog by filling a sack with the shredded flip flops and old foam pieces from a worn out pad. 
• Packing material  -  Use the shredded strips as packing material for parcels.
• Padding  -  Cut out pads for under chair or table legs.  Use them as wedges to keep appliances from rubbing or to level that wobbly table.
• Fill your pot  -  Shred or chunk old flip flops and use them in the bottom of your flower pots for drainage or as fill.

Now that you have your creative hat all warmed up I’m sure you can come up with even more ways to recycle your old flip flops.  If you don’t have enough flip flops for your project put up a collection bin somewhere (get permission first – of course.)

The best thing you can do is to avoid the polyurethane flip flops all together.  They are flimsy and tend to break down within a few months anyway.  Shop around and buy sandals that are made from woven material or leather.  Although they are more expensive and maybe not as bright or colourful, they will last longer and feel better on the feet.

For more tips on recycling and living a green lifestyle read Switch On The Green or The HomeEcoWarrior